Ecopetrol Launches Strategic Geothermal Exploration Project in Nariño to Advance Colombia’s Energy Transition
The Ecopetrol Group, Colombia’s leading state-owned energy company, has officially launched a pioneering geothermal exploration project in the volcanic area of Azufral, located in the department of Nariño. This initiative is a critical step in Ecopetrol’s broader energy transition strategy, aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels by developing renewable and sustainable energy sources. With an estimated potential of generating up to 80 megawatts of clean energy, the Azufral geothermal project positions Colombia at the forefront of Latin America’s geothermal energy development.
A Milestone in Colombia’s Renewable Energy Agenda
The official announcement of the project was marked by a high-level event attended by Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, who emphasized the importance of geothermal energy in the country’s clean energy future. “Geothermal energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy we can develop. The Earth’s natural heat can be used to generate steam to drive turbines—our task is to find and harness that heat beneath the Earth’s surface. We must eliminate unnecessary environmental barriers, as this form of energy does not incur recurring costs,” said President Petro.
This bold push for geothermal energy aligns with Colombia’s commitment to achieving energy sovereignty and reducing its carbon footprint. As part of the government’s national energy transition plan, the Azufral project demonstrates how natural resources can be responsibly and efficiently harnessed to create a sustainable energy ecosystem.
Technical Goals and Strategic Collaboration
The geothermal exploration project aims to determine the feasibility and energy generation capacity of the Azufral area. Preliminary estimates suggest that the site could produce approximately 80 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to supply tens of thousands of homes with clean electricity. If successful, this would represent a significant contribution to Colombia’s energy mix.
According to Ricardo Roa Barragán, President of Ecopetrol, “This project represents a transformative step in our commitment to diversifying Colombia’s energy portfolio and conducting our operations in a more sustainable way. It underscores Ecopetrol’s leadership in renewable energy innovation and our commitment to delivering long-term environmental and economic value.”
This undertaking is supported by a broad coalition of national institutions and stakeholders, including:
- The Ecopetrol Group and its technical arm, the Colombian Institute of Petroleum and Energies of the Transition (ICPET),
- The Ministry of Mines and Energy,
- The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation,
- The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development,
- The Government of Nariño and local authorities,
- Academia and research institutions,
- Regulatory and oversight bodies such as the National Environmental Licensing Agency (ANLA), the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), and the Fund for Non-Conventional Energy and Efficient Energy Management (FENOGE).
This level of multi-sectoral collaboration ensures that the project is not only technically robust but also socially inclusive, environmentally compliant, and strategically aligned with Colombia’s national development goals.
A First Phase Focused on Capacity Building
The Azufral geothermal initiative is currently in its first phase, which focuses on laying the groundwork for successful resource exploration and potential energy production. This phase includes detailed geoscientific studies, regulatory permitting, environmental impact assessments, and community engagement. Additionally, institutional and territorial capacities will be strengthened to support the full lifecycle of geothermal energy development—from resource assessment to operational generation.
By investing in institutional and technical capacity building, Ecopetrol and its partners aim to create a scalable model for geothermal energy projects across Colombia. This approach also ensures that local communities are meaningfully involved and that environmental and social safeguards are integrated from the outset.
Ministerial Support and National Implications
Edwin Palma Egea, Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, highlighted the transformative nature of the project during the launch event. “Geothermal energy is not a future promise—it is a present reality we are activating with intent. This project at Azufral is a turning point in Colombia’s energy transition. It proves that geothermal heat can be a catalyst for territorial equity, lower energy costs, and increased national energy security.”
Palma emphasized that geothermal energy, often underutilized in Latin America, represents a stable, clean, and abundant energy source with minimal environmental impact. Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy can provide consistent baseload power, making it a highly valuable addition to Colombia’s energy infrastructure.
Toward a Greener, More Resilient Energy Future
The launch of the Azufral geothermal exploration project underscores Ecopetrol’s evolution from a traditional oil and gas company into a diversified energy provider committed to innovation and sustainability. In recent years, the company has increased its investment in solar, wind, green hydrogen, and now geothermal technologies as part of its long-term “Energy that Transforms” strategy.
Ecopetrol’s broader decarbonization roadmap includes a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This transition is being carried out through a combination of operational efficiency improvements, investment in renewable energy sources, circular economy initiatives, and innovation in green technologies. The geothermal project in Azufral is a tangible expression of this commitment.
Moreover, the initiative enhances Colombia’s position on the international stage as a country actively embracing sustainable development, climate responsibility, and technological leadership in the energy sector.
